The Easter holiday has made Neil Channing a very happy bunny as yesterday he won 2008 Irish Open at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin. For the English professional, it was his first major title and, as it was achieved at the expense of 666 rivals, he can be considered a true champion. (Although, given his career earnings exceed $1,200,000, he probably didn’t suffer too many dark nights of the soul or liberate too many branded bathrobes)
The Irish Open is Europe’s longest running No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament and last year’s competition attracted a record 706 card sharps. Maybe this year’s slightly reduced field is a sign that even poker players are wary of a global economic downturn and didn’t want to pay the €4500 entrance fee, an increase of €1000 on 2007.
Anyway, as an ex-bookie and now €801,400 richer, Neil Channing will be feeling particularly recession proof. The hand that landed his Easter harvest saw him a slight underdog but, as he used to have a reputation for setting slightly generous odds at the track, he was more than happy to watch a race. When Donal Norton pushed all in with 55, Channing called with A9 and when an ace flopped he shot into what proved to be an unassailable lead.
As the local boy, Norton had the support of even the Culshies* in the crowd but, although it proved to not be a night to crack open the red lemonade, few would resent Channing’s smiling eyes.
* what city folk call their rural friends, i.e. someone who wears a jumper, not a heavily marketed, over priced sweater; someone who can name their neighbours (and their neighbours’ houses)
The Irish Open is Europe’s longest running No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament and last year’s competition attracted a record 706 card sharps. Maybe this year’s slightly reduced field is a sign that even poker players are wary of a global economic downturn and didn’t want to pay the €4500 entrance fee, an increase of €1000 on 2007.
Anyway, as an ex-bookie and now €801,400 richer, Neil Channing will be feeling particularly recession proof. The hand that landed his Easter harvest saw him a slight underdog but, as he used to have a reputation for setting slightly generous odds at the track, he was more than happy to watch a race. When Donal Norton pushed all in with 55, Channing called with A9 and when an ace flopped he shot into what proved to be an unassailable lead.
As the local boy, Norton had the support of even the Culshies* in the crowd but, although it proved to not be a night to crack open the red lemonade, few would resent Channing’s smiling eyes.
* what city folk call their rural friends, i.e. someone who wears a jumper, not a heavily marketed, over priced sweater; someone who can name their neighbours (and their neighbours’ houses)
Top 6 at The Irish Open
1. Neil Channing – UK – €801,400
2. Donal Norton – IRE – €420,000
3. Thomas Dunwoodie – UK – €275,000
4. Tim Blake – UK – €220,000
5. Kai Danilo Paulsen – DEN - €175,000
1. Neil Channing – UK – €801,400
2. Donal Norton – IRE – €420,000
3. Thomas Dunwoodie – UK – €275,000
4. Tim Blake – UK – €220,000
5. Kai Danilo Paulsen – DEN - €175,000
6. Edwin Tournier - FRA - €135,000
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